In the 21st century, non-traditional funerals are becoming more accepted. There are those who choose to honor and say goodbye to their loved ones in ways that have not been done in the past and break with tradition.
One Family’s Experience in Australia
A bereaved family in Australia, who lost their mother and wife to breast cancer, decided not to take her body to the funeral home to be prepared for cremation but instead decided to bring their loved one home. The legality of doing this must have been acceptable and remained within the law since the hospital released the body to the family.
It was the most precious and loving experience for this family to care for their loved one in this final way and to prepare her to cross over at home by the family rather than by strangers. They dressed her, put on her makeup, did her hair and nails, and had her resting at home. They then invited friends over to visit and to say their final goodbye.
This practice was something that was actually done back in the days of Gone with the Wind during the American Civil War.